Business Document

1. Overview

The Short URL Application provides users with a simple way to shorten long URLs while offering comprehensive analytics on link usage. The platform aims to cater to businesses, marketers, and individuals who need trackable, efficient link-sharing solutions. Users can create short links that are easy to share and track their performance using an intuitive dashboard.

2. Objectives

Provide a reliable and efficient URL shortening service.

Offer real-time analytics and insights on link performance.

Ensure security measures such as expiration dates, password protection, and user authentication.

Enable API integrations for developers and businesses.

Monetization through premium plans and ads.

Make link management simple and accessible for non-technical users.

3. Target Audience

Digital marketers and advertisers: Track and measure marketing campaign success.

Businesses needing branded short links: Improve brand visibility and credibility.

Social media influencers and content creators: Share short, memorable links.

Developers and enterprises requiring API-based URL shortening: Integrate link management into their applications.

General users: Individuals who want to manage and track personal links effectively.

4. Key Features

Easy-to-Use Interface: A simple web-based platform for creating and managing short links.

URL Shortening: Generate short, user-friendly URLs with a single click.

Analytics Dashboard: Track clicks, geolocation, referrers, and devices.

User Authentication: Allow users to manage their URLs with a secure login.

Custom Short Links: Enable branded URLs for business and personal branding.

Expiration & Security: Set expiration dates, passwords, and domain whitelisting to ensure security.

API Access: Provide an API for developers to integrate the service into their applications.

QR Code Generation: Automatically generate QR codes for short links for easier offline sharing.

5. Revenue Model

Freemium Model: Free users get basic features, while premium users get enhanced analytics and custom branding.

API Subscription: Charge for API access based on usage tiers.

Advertising: Display non-intrusive ads for free-tier users.

Enterprise Solutions: Offer white-label solutions to businesses.

6. Benefits for Non-Technical Users

No Coding Required: The service is designed for everyone, regardless of technical knowledge.

Simple Dashboard: Easily track link performance with user-friendly charts and reports.

Instant Link Shortening: Just paste a long URL and get a short one instantly.

Security Features: Set passwords and expiration dates without needing technical setup.

Mobile-Friendly: Manage and track links from any device.

Technical Document

1. Architecture

Frontend: Angular (or React) for a responsive web UI.

Backend: Spring Boot (Java) for API development.

Database: MySQL/PostgreSQL for data storage.

Cache: Redis for fast URL resolution.

Hosting: AWS (ECS Fargate for scalable deployment).

Security: Keycloak for authentication and role-based access.

2. Database Schema

Users Table: Stores user details.

URLs Table:
- id (Primary Key)
- original_url
- short_code
- user_id
- created_at, expiration_date

Analytics Table:
- id, url_id, click_timestamp, referrer, ip_address, geo_location, device_type

3. API Endpoints

POST /shorten → Shorten a URL

GET /{short_code} → Redirect to the original URL

GET /analytics/{short_code} → Get analytics for a short URL

DELETE /delete/{short_code} → Delete a URL (authorized users only)

4. Security & Performance

Rate Limiting: Prevent abuse with API throttling.

JWT Authentication: Secure user sessions.

Data Encryption: Encrypt stored URLs and sensitive data.

CDN & Caching: Use CloudFront for faster content delivery.

Logging & Monitoring: Use AWS CloudWatch for logs and alerts.

5. Deployment Strategy

CI/CD: Automate builds and deployments using Drone CI.

Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Use Terraform for infrastructure management.

Containerization: Deploy backend services using Docker & ECS Fargate.

Blue-Green Deployment: Ensure zero-downtime updates.